Cottage Grove board approves $1.3 million library levy question, updates five‑year financial plan

COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. — The Village of Cottage Grove Village Board voted on January 27 to place a referendum question on the spring ballot that would add a $1.3 million annual levy for construction and operation of a community library, and at the same meeting approved an updated five‑year financial management plan that shows how the project would affect the village’s debt and tax rate.

Supporters and opponents filled the meeting and submitted written comments during a two‑hour public comment period, with residents debating the need for a local library, alternatives to a new building and the effect on property taxes. "Thank you, trustees, library board members, village staff and consultants for your due diligence efforts," said resident Cassie Mordini, who urged approval of the ballot question. Her daughter, Lola Mordini, told trustees, "I would really like to have a public library in Cottage Grove because it would be a place I could go on my own and check out books and read. Please vote yes for the library." Opponents raised affordability and timing concerns, with resident Brandon Peele saying, "I think that now is not the right time to be looking for an actual library building. I think we should be looking at the financials and the budget before we push…